[accidental voice post]

[A split second of silence, then a loud splash, followed by more splashing--]

Fucking Christ!

[Coughing, sputtering--]

I knew the bloody deities had got something in store for me when I tried that, but this is just uncalled for. Not even very creative, either.

[More splashing, then:]

Bugger. One of these things again. Thought I'd got rid of it. Ah, I s'pose it's got its uses right now, eh?

Anyone there? Feel like rescuing a bloke from drowning?

Don't worry. Nothing more ought to be coming after you, at this point.

[OOC: John returns! (For the record, he activated a spell he'd left inside the clock, which the deities had altered so that it dumped him out in the middle of the ocean.) Psychics and other "sensitives" will notice that a couple seconds after his post starts, some kind of nasty backlash ripples through the City; if it's IC for them, they can also start having nightmares. All other effects will not show up for a few more days. See this post for more details.]

[voice post]

[static]

--'king hell, can't believe I've still got one of these things--

[violent coughing]

Right.

[sound of running; something slamming]

Did you lot really think any of that bollocks would do any good? Look--I'm trying to do you a favor here--get a dictionary. Turn to the "S" section--no, further, after "shit" but before "symbolism"--

SUBTLETY.

Jesus wept.

No, don't bother trying to tell me what I've missed. I'm a little short on time right now.

[OOC: The aftermath of the escape attempt distracted the succubi enough to let John escape their clutches, and he is now planning his final attack on them, which will lead into his return in a little over a week and this plot a few days later. He's now posting largely to distract his pursuers by deflecting them onto nosy passersby on the Network, because he's a bastard like that. Characters who respond to this post may, if their players want, later mention catching a glimpse of some horrifying, demonic-looking ethereal thing, but fortunately, they will refrain from actually attacking anyone (other than John).]

[accidental voice post]

[Sound of a match being struck.]

Ah--

[Something dripping.]

Hmm.

Cor cordis veritatis sapit. Cor cordis veritatis dicit.

[Tearing, splattering--]

Ha, got you, you fu--

[end voice mode!]

Right, I've been back in the city for all of ten fucking days. So far we've had Shakespeare, war, zombies, and fuck knows what else I've missed--

Never a bleeding dull moment.

Much as I hate to be the fucking hero here...you ought to all know, if you don't already, that these zombies aren't really zombies. Not the proper voodoo kind, anyway. They're demon puppets.

And I think I ought to be able to give any of you lot who want to do something about it a clear path to the bastard controlling them. Maybe even weaken it a bit. Don't expect me to be doing any slaying, though. Not my job. I don't like risking harm to my delicate pink flesh.

This bloke seems to know more about the thing--and how to hurt it. Might want to talk to him about it if you're curious or looking to do some damage.

private to Lady // warded

Once the demon's down for the count, I ought to be able to find out if someone summoned the bugger or if it came here the way we all do. Before that? Not a chance, kid.

[OOC: As stated here, John will not be participating in any demon-slaying, but he'll be helping to organize it. I'm sure we'll come up with more details as things progress. Also, sorry sorry my Latin is awful. I should have paid more attention in high school.]

[voice post]

Ha, you bastards, I'm in. So much for the impenetrable clock of mystery and doom, eh?

[Strange metallic noises, as of gears grinding--and the ticking.]

And don't think you can scare me off with the usual door-swings-ominously-shut-behind-you bollocks. I don't want to go out that way.

I'm not leaving till I know what makes this bleeding place tick.

[OOC: mod-approved! John's biggest wish is to know the secrets of the City and its gods, so today he's been able to get past the barriers and into the clock...but no one can follow him, and now he's kind of stuck. D: I'm going to sleep now, but will pick up tags in the morning. Expect John to get progressively crankier as his cigarettes run out. ♥]

[voice post]

So now the City thinks it can placate me--or at least the rest of you poor bastards--with pretty flowers. Hah. Fat lot of good that'll do.

And why is there a sodding doll outside the door?

[Dragging noises.]

Hullo, I'll be using you as an ashtray tonigh--

Bloody fuck.

[Thud.]

[transmission ends]

[OOC: Tags will be responded to after midnight, when the killer dolls' victims revive. Cassidy is welcome to find John's body with the doll looming over it.]

[accidental voice post]

Bleeding hell. My head.

For once, I'm sure it's not the sodding drink or even the magic but it's always something, innit--

...this isn't London.

Where the bloody fuck am I.

[end transmission]

Right. Now that I've got the fucking technology in this bastard place working the way it ought to--least as much as that shite ever does--someone tell me what this City is and why in hell I'm here.

I'm not ruling that one out, either. But this looks less familiar than Hell.

Yeah...I know.

[OOC: and let the abuse begin ♥ However, I will need to sleep at some point, so I may have to pick up some tags tomorrow. I'll get to it!]